This study examines how political parties influence representative voting behavior across different electoral systems.

Research Context:

Electoral systems:* The core of this research lies in understanding the role of party affiliation versus constituency preference in shaping representation.

Conventional Wisdom vs. New Findings:* Common belief holds that proportional systems amplify party influence while majoritarian systems (electing one representative per district) force representatives to follow voter preferences more closely, effectively constraining party loyalty.

Contradictory Evidence:

Matching Data:* The study tests these opposing theories using a novel approach: comparing decisions made by constituents in binding referenda with the voting behavior of their directly elected representatives. This direct link provides stronger evidence than analyzing partisan votes alone.

Party Influence Consistent:* Contrary to expectations that majoritarian systems would 'mute' party affiliation, the findings suggest parties remain influential regardless of the electoral system.

Implications:

Understanding Representation:* The results challenge the simplistic view of how electoral rules directly determine representation. It indicates political parties might maintain a powerful indirect influence even when winning seats through majoritarian elections.